“Dad?” Bri walked into the den.
“Yes, Pumpkin?”
“Cole stopped by to see me. He’s outside right now. Is it okay if I run out and say hi?”
Connor smiled. “Sure, Sweetie, just don’t be too long.”
“I won’t. Oh, and no spying!” she pointed at him before heading out the front door.
Cole straightened when he saw her approaching.
“Hi,” she stopped a few steps away. The darkness offered them some cover from the street, but she could still see Cole’s face clearly.
“Hi.” He looked her up and down. Bri was suddenly aware she was still in her dance warm ups and make up, but Cole didn’t seem to mind.
“Thanks for coming today. I’m sorry I didn’t get to spend much time with you.” She stepped closer.
“That’s exactly why I’m here,” he grinned. “I had a win last night, and you had a win today. I think we’re both due for some serious victory kisses.”
“Mmm, I like the way you think.”
Cole pulled her to him and pressed his lips to hers. Bri kissed him back deeply, not caring that they were standing in the middle of her lawn for all the neighbors to see. They hadn’t had any time together this week, and it had taken a toll on both of them. She held him tight, wanting to feel as close to him as possible. Cole’s hands moved down her back and pulled her closer. Yep, he’d definitely missed her, too.
Needing to breath, Bri broke their kiss and rested her forehead against Cole’s.
“I wish I didn’t have to go inside,” she murmured.
“So don’t.” He captured her mouth again and convinced her to stay a little longer. Several minutes later, she pulled back.
“Feel free to show up outside my window any time you like,” she smiled. “But now I really have to go.”
“Why?” Cole groaned, not releasing her.
“First, because it’s late, and second, there’s a pretty good chance my dad is watching us from the window.”
“Why would your dad be watching us?”
“Um, because I told him we were together now, and he probably wants to make sure things stay PG rated.” She blushed.
“You told your dad about us?”
“Yeah,” she smiled shyly.
A huge smile spread across Coles’ face, and he pulled her in for another kiss. “Hey, we should start up our Tuesday study sessions again. This whole not seeing you all week is killing me. I know we’re both super busy, but do you think we could make it work?”
“Definitely,” Bri agreed. “Come to my house Tuesday after basketball practice. I don’t care what time or how late. I’ll make sure it’s cool with Summer.”
“It’s a date then,” Cole smiled.
“Good. Now, I really have to go. See you Monday.” Bri stood on her tiptoes and gave him a quick peck. “Goodnight, Cole.”
“Sweet dreams, Ambria.”
The next few weeks passed pretty uneventfully. Cole and the basketball team continued racking up impressive wins and had attracted quite the following. Bri and the Dance Team continued sweeping first place honors at their competitions, though they didn’t have quite the same following. At school Bri and Cole moved beyond just exchanged greetings and started having actual conversations. It was just small talk, but Bri loved being able to talk to Cole a little in History, though she noticed Trey watching them suspiciously. Serena had also taken a greater interest in Bri ever since Natalie’s New Year’s party, and had rudely butted into a couple of Bri and Cole’s conversations in the hall. Bri noticed that Serena was watching her and whispering more often, but she wasn’t about to let Serena get to her.
It was the last Monday in January, and Cole stopped by Bri’s locker after school. It was the first time he’d sought her out to talk at school, and she was a little surprised.
“Hi Bri!” Cole leaned against the locker next to hers.
“Um, hi Cole.” Bri looked up and down the hall, confused. “What are you doing?”
“I just had a quick question for you.”
“Oh? So what is it you wanted to ask?” She smiled, shutting her locker. She noticed they were getting some curious glances, but she really didn’t care.
Cole leaned in closer so they wouldn’t be overheard.
“Coach has jury duty tomorrow, so practice had been cancelled. I was wondering if you’d want to go out with me?” He smiled at her up through his lashes.
“Yes!” Bri had to restrain her urge to hug him. “I mean, that would be cool,” she tried to sound nonchalant.
Her enthusiasm wasn’t lost on Cole and he grinned smugly.